Dhaka, March 12:
Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen called for Asian nations to take the leadership role for
addressing the emerging challenges and opportunities in the rapidly changing world. He made this
comment when he attended the roundtable ‘Asia Anew: For sustainable regional growth’ at the 2nd
Antalya Diplomacy Forum held in Antalya, Turkey.
In the roundtable, Dr. Momen elaborated on the policies of Bangladesh in addressing the
challenges like COVID-19, climate change, and how the Government is implementing policies to take
Bangladesh in the league of developed nations within the next two decades. He emphasised on the
importance of ensuring green technologies at affordable costs to all countries, and the need of
investment for ensuring gainful employment. Dr. Momen reiterated the Bangladesh proposal for a
South-South forum of Foreign Ministers that would share ideas, and promote best practices for the
economic issues of the developing countries. The high-profile roundtable was also attended by several
other Foreign Ministers from Asia.
Referring to the different current conflicts in the world, Foreign Minister Momen flagged the
concept of culture of peace promoted by Bangladesh, and emphasised that tolerance and empathy is
essential for a world that is sustainable and habitable for our future generations. Mentioning the
Rohingya crisis, and the bold decision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in providing shelter to the 1.1
million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Dr. Momen stressed for international cooperation in
addressing the regional crises.
